U.S. patent application number 12/454290 was filed with the patent office on 2010-11-18 for low profile batter dispenser.
This patent application is currently assigned to Heartland Food Products, Inc. a Kansas Corporation. Invention is credited to William R. Steeb.
Application Number | 20100291277 12/454290 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43068709 |
Filed Date | 2010-11-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100291277 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Steeb; William R. |
November 18, 2010 |
Low profile batter dispenser
Abstract
A low profile batter dispenser, for the housing of batter on a
counter top for an extended period of time while cooling the batter
to resist bacterial growth therein. The batter dispenser includes a
housing, a batter container, and an ice pack assembly for holding
an ice pack on the bottom of and in contact with the batter
container.
Inventors: |
Steeb; William R.; (Kansas
City, MO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LAW OFFICE OF JOHN C. MCMAHON
P.O. BOX 30069
KANSAS CITY
MO
64112
US
|
Assignee: |
Heartland Food Products, Inc. a
Kansas Corporation
Westwood
KS
|
Family ID: |
43068709 |
Appl. No.: |
12/454290 |
Filed: |
May 15, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
426/504 ;
426/416 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A21C 5/006 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
426/504 ;
426/416 |
International
Class: |
A23P 1/00 20060101
A23P001/00 |
Claims
1. In a waffle and pancake batter dispenser having a housing for
receiving a batter container having an interior and a sloped floor,
the improvement comprising: a) an ice pack assembly located in the
housing; b) the ice pack assembly including a sloped ice pack bed
and an adjustment pin, wherein the sloped ice back bed is
configured and arranged for support of an ice pack at an angle of
incline substantially equal to an angle of incline of the floor of
the batter container, and wherein the adjustment pin is configured
and arranged to releasably engage an adjustment slot located within
the housing; c) wherein when an ice pack is placed on the ice pack
bed and the batter container is received into the housing, the ice
pack firmly contacts an exterior surface of the floor of the batter
container, such that during use the ice pack cools the batter
container.
2. The dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the housing is a low
profile housing.
3. The dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the pin is a first
pin and there is a second laterally spaced pin and the slot is a
first slot and there is a second laterally spaced slot such that
the pins mate with respective slots and wherein the adjustment
slots include a front to rear orientation, such that engaged
adjustment pins are forwardly and rearwardly mobile with respect to
a front of the housing.
4. The dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the ice pack
includes a plurality of thicknesses.
5. The dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the interior of the
batter container includes a side inner surface and a plurality of
water level lines located on the side inner surface, wherein the
water level lines are associated with amounts of water required to
make different pre-measured amounts of batter, such that a user can
measure an amount of water into the dispenser interior, for making
an associated pre-measured amount of batter within the dispenser
interior.
6. The dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the batter dispenser
comprises a non-drip valve.
7. The dispenser according to claim 6, wherein the non-drip valve
comprises a plastic tube having a barrel in fluid flow
communication with an interior of the batter container, and a
silicon sleeve biases against the barrel of the plastic tube.
8. The dispenser according to claim 7, wherein the non-drip valve
comprises an open position and a closed position, wherein when the
valve is in the open position the barrel of the plastic tube is in
fluid flow communication with the interior of the batter container,
and when the valve is in the closed position the silicon sleeve is
biased against the barrel of the plastic tube and the barrel of the
plastic tube is not in fluid flow communication with the interior
of the batter container.
9. A dispenser for preparing and dispensing waffle and pancake
batter, comprising: a) a housing adapted to be placed on a surface,
wherein the housing has an interior; b) an ice pack assembly
slidably received within the housing interior, and comprising a
sloped ice pack bed and at least two adjustment pins, wherein the
sloped ice pack bed is configured and arranged to support an ice
pack; c) a batter container removably received within the housing,
and comprising a front wall, a back wall, two side walls, and a
floor, all of which define an interior of the batter container, and
a non-drip valve located at the bottom of the front wall, wherein
the non-drip valve has an open position and a closed position and
is generally biased in a closed position and wherein the floor
slopes downwardly from the back wall to the front wall, such that
the interior of the batter container is in fluid flow communication
with an interior of the valve when the valve is in the open
position.
10. The dispenser according to claim 9, wherein the housing
comprises a floor pan having at least two adjustment slots for
slidably receiving the at least two adjustment pins, such that
during use, an ice pack supported by the ice pack bed is pressed
against the bottom of the batter container, whereby batter located
in the interior of the batter container is cooled.
11. The dispenser according to claim 9, wherein a slope of the ice
pack bed is substantially equal to a slope of the floor of the
batter container.
12. The dispenser according to claim 9, wherein the valve comprises
a tube having a barrel, an orifice between the interior of the
batter container and the barrel, a silicone sleeve biased against
the barrel such that the orifice is closed, and a manual actuator
for moving the valve from a closed position to an open position,
wherein the barrel and the interior of the batter container are in
fluid flow communication through the orifice when the valve is in
the open position.
13. The dispenser of claim 9, wherein an interior surface of at
least one of the front, back and side walls includes a plurality of
water level lines, for indicating an amount of water to be added to
the batter container, wherein the amount of water at each water
level line is associated with a fixed amount of mixed batter.
14. The dispenser of claim 9, wherein the batter dispenser is sized
to be received by a dish washing machine in an inverted
orientation.
15. A method of making and dispensing waffle and pancake batter,
comprising: a) pouring an amount of water into a batter container
such that the surface of the water aligns with a water level line
located within the batter container; b) adding a pre-measured
amount of pancake mix to the batter container and mixing the mix
with the amount of water, such that the mixed batter is formed; c)
placing an ice pack on an ice pack assembly located within a
dispenser housing; and d) placing the batter container into the
housing, such that a bottom of the container firmly and directly
contacts the ice pack.
16. The method of claim 15, further comprising closing the
housing.
17. The method according to claim 15, further comprising dispensing
an amount of the mixed batter through a valve.
18. The method according to claim 15, wherein step c) includes
slidably adjusting a position of the ice pack assembly with respect
to the housing.
19. The method according to claim 15, further comprising inverting
the batter container in a dishwasher and cleaning the batter
container.
20. The method according to claim 16, further comprising removing
the batter container from the dispenser housing and storing the
batter container in a refrigerator.
21. A batter dispenser comprising: a) an outer housing; b) a batter
container sized and shaped to be slidingly received in the housing
and having a lower sloped floor; and c) a cooling pack holder that
is slidingly positioned beneath the batter container and that has
an upper surface to receive a cooling pack; the holder upper
surface cooperating with the container floor so that cooling packs
of different thickness abut against the container floor because the
holder is front to rear adjustable relative to the housing.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a dispenser for thick
batters, such as pancake and waffle batter.
[0002] It is popular to offer pancakes and/or waffles at many types
of restaurants, buffets, catered events and the like. Often the
batter for the pancakes and waffles is mixed when the facility
opens or at the beginning of an event and allowed to sit so that it
is available for use during the period when the pancakes and
waffles are offered.
[0003] Because the batter is relatively quite thick, it does not
flow well and the persons using the batter are left to rely on
inconvenient and cumbersome methods of dispensing the batter such
as pouring from a large vessel or dipping. Such dispensing methods
are often also unsanitary as the user's fingers tend to engage the
rim of the vessel and utensils may be laid about to pick up
bacteria and debris from counter tops and the like.
[0004] As with most equipment used by the food service industry, it
is also desirable that the dispenser be easily cleaned without the
expenditure of a substantial amount of expensive manual labor.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] In a first embodiment, the present invention provides an
improved waffle and pancake batter dispenser for mixing, storing
and dispensing a thick batter. The dispenser includes a housing
configured and arranged to receive a batter container having an
interior and a sloped floor. The improvement includes an ice pack
assembly located in the housing. The ice pack assembly includes a
sloped ice pack bed and at least two adjustment pins, wherein the
sloped ice back bed is configured and arranged for support of an
ice pack at an angle of incline substantially equal to an angle of
incline of the floor of the batter container, and wherein the
adjustment pins are configured and arranged to releasably engage
adjustment slots located within the housing. When an ice pack is
placed on the ice pack bed and the batter container is received
into the housing, the ice pack firmly contacts an exterior surface
of the floor of the batter container, such that during use the ice
pack cools the batter container.
[0006] In a further embodiment of the first embodiment, the housing
is a low profile housing.
[0007] In a further embodiment of the first embodiment, the
adjustment slots include a front to rear orientation, such that
engaged adjustment pins are forwardly and rearwardly mobile with
respect to a front of the housing.
[0008] In a further embodiment of the first embodiment, the ice
pack includes a plurality of thicknesses.
[0009] In a further embodiment of the first embodiment, the
interior of the batter container includes a side inner surface and
a plurality of water level lines located on the side inner surface,
wherein the water level lines are associated with amounts of water
required to make different pre-measured amounts of batter, such
that a user can measure an amount of water into the dispenser
interior, for making an associated pre-measured amount of batter
within the dispenser interior.
[0010] In a further embodiment of the first embodiment, the batter
dispenser includes a non-drip valve.
[0011] In a further embodiment, the non-drip valve includes a
plastic tube having a barrel in fluid flow communication with an
interior of the batter container, and a silicon sleeve biases
against the barrel of the plastic tube.
[0012] In a further embodiment, the non-drip valve includes an open
position and a closed position, wherein when the valve is in the
open position the barrel of the plastic tube is in fluid flow
communication with the interior of the batter container, and when
the valve is in the closed position the silicon sleeve is biased
against the barrel of the plastic tube and the barrel of the
plastic tube is not in fluid flow communication with the interior
of the batter container.
[0013] In a second embodiment, the present invention provides a
dispenser for preparing and dispensing waffle and pancake batter,
which includes: a housing adapted to be placed on a surface,
wherein the housing has an interior; an ice pack assembly slidably
received within the housing interior, and including a sloped ice
pack bed and at least two adjustment pins, wherein the sloped ice
pack bed is configured and arranged to support an ice pack; and a
batter container removably received within the housing, and
including a front wall, a back wall, two side walls, and a floor,
all of which define an interior of the batter container, and a
non-drip valve located at the bottom of the front wall, wherein the
non-drip valve has an open position and a closed position and is
generally biased in a closed position and wherein the floor slopes
downwardly from the back wall to the front wall, such that the
interior of the batter container is in fluid flow communication
with an interior of the valve when the valve is in the open
position.
[0014] In a further embodiment of the second embodiment, the
housing includes a floor pan having at least two adjustment slots
for slidably receiving the at least two adjustment pins, such that
during use, an ice pack supported by the ice pack bed is pressed
against the bottom of the batter container, whereby batter located
in the interior of the batter container is cooled.
[0015] In a further embodiment of the second embodiment, a slope of
the ice pack bed is substantially equal to a slope of the floor of
the batter container.
[0016] In a further embodiment of the second embodiment, the valve
includes a tube having a barrel, an orifice between the interior of
the batter container and the barrel, a silicone sleeve biased
against the barrel such that the orifice is closed, and a manual
actuator for moving the valve from a closed position to an open
position, wherein the barrel and the interior of the batter
container are in fluid flow communication through the orifice when
the valve is in the open position.
[0017] In a further embodiment of the second embodiment, an
interior surface of at least one of the front, back and side walls
includes a plurality of water level lines, for indicating an amount
of water to be added to the batter container, wherein the amount of
water at each water level line is associated with a fixed amount of
mixed batter.
[0018] In a further embodiment of the second embodiment, the batter
dispenser is sized to be received by a conventional home dish
washing machine in an inverted orientation.
[0019] In a third embodiment, the present invention provides a
method of making and dispensing waffle and pancake batter,
including the steps of pouring an amount of water into a batter
container such that the surface of the water aligns with a water
level line located within the batter container; adding a
pre-measured amount of pancake mix to the batter container and
mixing the mix with the amount of water, such that the mixed batter
is formed in a selected amount; placing an ice pack on an ice pack
assembly located within a dispenser housing; and placing the batter
container into the housing, such that a bottom of the container
firmly and directly contacts the ice pack.
[0020] In a further embodiment of the third embodiment, the method
includes closing the housing.
[0021] In a further embodiment of the third embodiment, the method
includes dispensing an amount of the mixed batter through a
valve.
[0022] In a further embodiment of the third embodiment, placing an
ice pack on an ice pack assembly includes slidably adjusting a
position of the ice pack assembly with respect to the housing.
[0023] In a further embodiment of the third embodiment, the method
includes inverting the batter container in a dishwasher and
cleaning the batter container.
[0024] In a further embodiment of the third embodiment, the method
includes removing the batter container from the dispenser housing
and storing the batter container in a refrigerator.
Advantages of the Invention
[0025] Therefore, advantages of various embodiments of the
invention are: a thick batter dispenser that allows the user to
easily and quickly dispense a desired amount of batter without
significant contamination; a dispenser that is a low-profile device
and thus takes up less space on a counter top; a dispenser that
includes a cooling pack assembly that cools the bottom of the
batter container in the dispenser such that bacterial growth within
the batter is substantially prevented during use of the device,
even as the batter level drops in the batter container; to provide
a dispenser that easily fits into a dishwasher when inverted; and a
dispenser that is easy to use, inexpensive to produce and
especially suited for the intended usage thereof.
[0026] Other advantages and certain objects of this invention will
become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction
with the accompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way of
illustration and example, certain embodiments of this
invention.
[0027] The drawings constitute a part of this specification and
include exemplary embodiments of the present invention and
illustrate various objects and features thereof.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the batter dispenser of an
illustrated embodiment of the present invention.
[0029] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the batter
dispenser.
[0030] FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of the batter dispenser,
taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1.
[0031] FIG. 4 is a fragmentary rear perspective view of the batter
dispenser, with portions removed to show detail thereof.
[0032] FIG. 5 is a fragmentary and enlarged view of a valve of the
batter dispenser, illustrating movement of a manual actuator
thereof in solid and phantom lines.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0033] As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention
are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the
disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which
may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural
and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted
as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a
representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to
variously employ the present invention in virtually any
appropriately detailed structure.
[0034] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, a low profile waffle and pancake
batter dispenser is provided for dispensing a thick batter that is
generally indicated by the reference numeral 100. The batter
dispenser 100 is configured and arranged to be placed on a counter
or table top, such as near a cooking surface or a waffle maker, for
convenient dispensing of the batter. The dispenser 100 includes a
housing 102 formed of a plurality of panels, including a removable
front panel 103 with top and bottom lips 104 and 105, a back panel
106, two side panels 108, and a top panel 110. The side and back
panels 106 and 108 can be formed of a single sheet of metal (e.g.,
stainless steel) or food grade plastic, such as is shown in FIG. 2,
or they can be formed of individual panels that are welded,
adhered, stapled, or otherwise non-removably attached together to
form the depicted U-shaped structure of the back and side panels
106 and 108. The top panel 110 can also be non-removably attached
onto the back and side panels 106 and 108 using welding, adhesive,
staples, pins and the like. The housing 102 includes a base 112
with four non-slip, elastic feet 113 attached thereto. The feet 113
prevent the device 100 from slipping when placed on a counter
surface. The front panel 103 is configured to be removed, such as
by lifting it from the housing 102, thereby providing access to a
housing interior 114. For example, in the illustrated embodiments,
the front panel 103 is removably attached to the housing 102 by
releasably engaging connection pins 116, which extend downwardly
from the lower lip 105 of the front panel 103, with pin receptacles
119 (e.g., holes, orifices) located in the base 112, and releasably
engaging detents 117, which extend inwardly from the upper lip 104
of the front panel 103, with the front lip 118 of the top panel
110. Other connection devices known in the art, such as hooks,
locks, and screws can also be used.
[0035] A valve 120 (e.g., spout or nozzle), for dispensing the
batter, extends outwardly from the housing 102 via an orifice 122
(e.g., opening, aperture) located in the bottom (e.g., lower
portion) of the front panel 103. For example, the orifice 122 is a
U-shaped cut-out or arch in the lower one-third to one-half of the
front panel 103. The orifice 122 is generally configured and
arranged such that the front panel 103 does not contact the valve
120 when the housing 102 is closed (e.g., the front panel 103 is
joined the remainder of the housing 102 via engaging the connection
pins 116 and the pin receptacles 119, and engaging the detents 117
with receivers in the front lip 118 of the top panel).
[0036] A drip tray 124, which is a shallow box, is placed beneath
the valve 120 (e.g., adjacent to the base 112, for catching batter
that may drip during and/or after the batter is dispensed. A drip
tray cover 126 is inserted into the drip tray 124, to support a cup
127 (or a similar container) placed under the valve 120. When a cup
127 is placed under the valve 120 (e.g., on the drip tray cover
126), batter, such as an amount of batter sufficient for making a
pancake or waffle, can be dispensed from the valve 120 and into the
cup 127.
[0037] Referring now to FIGS. 2-4, the housing 102 includes an
interior 114, which is defined by the panels 103, 106, 108, 110 of
the housing 102, and an ice pack assembly 115 located therein. The
interior 114 of the housing 102 is configured and arranged to
removably receive a batter container 130, such that the batter
container 130 slides over the ice pack assembly 115 and slidably
abuts against or is in close proximity to the side panels 106 and
108. The batter container 130 includes a front wall 132 (e.g.,
front side), a back wall 134 (e.g., back side), two side walls 136,
138, and a floor 139 (e.g., bottom). The batter container 130,
which is preferably made of food-grade plastic, includes a cover
140, for covering (e.g., closing) the remainder of the batter
container 130, for preventing dust or other foreign matter from
falling into the batter container 130, especially when it contains
a batter. The batter container 130 is supported by a base 141 that
extends generally downward from the front, back and side walls 132,
134, 136, 138, such that the floor 139 is supported above the ice
pack assembly 115, when the batter container 130 is received into
the interior 114 of the housing 102. A spout 143, for connection of
the batter container 130 to the valve 120, extends generally out
and downward (e.g., through orifice 122 of the front panel 103)
from the lower portion 144 (e.g., about the lower one-third to
one-fourth) of the front wall 132. It is foreseen that in some
embodiments, the batter container 130 does not include a spout 143,
for connection of a valve 120 thereby. Rather, the spout 143 is
included in the valve 120, which is connected to a screw-threaded
orifice 178 located in the front wall 132 of the batter container
130. The lower side of the spout 143 preferably mates with the
lowermost portion of the floor 139 at a front end of the floor
139.
[0038] In preferred embodiments, the batter container 130 fits
snugly within the housing interior 114. When the batter container
130 is received into the interior 114 of the housing 102 and the
front panel 103 is engaged, the valve 120 generally extends from
the batter container 130 (e.g., via spout 143), through orifice
122, such that the valve 120 can be manipulated (e.g., operated) by
a user, for dispensing of batter, when the front panel 103 is
mounted on the remainder of the housing 102 (e.g., the housing is
closed).
[0039] The base 141 of the batter container 130 includes four (4)
L-shaped legs (e.g., two front legs 148 and two rear legs 150) that
extend generally downward from the walls (e.g., sides) 132, 134,
136 and 138 of the batter container 130. For example, each front
leg 148 extends downwardly from a side portion 156 of the front
wall 132 and a front portion 158 of each of the side walls 136 and
138, such that each of the two front legs 148 wraps around an
intersection 160 (e.g., corner) of front and side walls 132, 136
and 138. Also, each back leg 150 extends downwardly from a side
portion 166 of the back wall 134 and a back portion 168 of each of
the side walls 136 and 138, such that each of the two back legs 150
wraps around the intersection 170 (e.g., corner) of back and side
walls 134, 136 and 138. In the illustrated embodiment, the front
legs 148 are integrally formed (e.g., the front 172 of the
container base 141 extends all the way across the front of the
batter container 130). However, it is foreseen that the front legs
148 can be separated (e.g., a cut-out portion there between). The
back 173 of the container base 141 includes a cut out portion 174
that is configured and arranged to slide over an ice pack assembly
115 (e.g., having an ice pack 186 thereon) located within the
housing 102, such as described below. Accordingly, placing the
batter container 130 into the housing 102 is not hampered by the
presence of the ice pack assembly 115 and, as noted below,
cooperates with the ice pack assembly 115.
[0040] As described above, the batter container 130 includes a
spout 143 that is configured and arranged to connect in fluid flow
the interior 176 of the batter container 130 to the valve 120, such
that batter within the batter container may selectively be
dispensed through the valve 120. The spout 148 of the batter
container 130 extends outward and downward (e.g., at an angle of
incline; through orifice 122 of the front panel 103) from the lower
portion 144 (e.g., about the lower one-third to one-fourth) of the
front wall 132, such that batter can drain from the container
interior 176, through the spout 143 and into the valve 120. For
example, the spout 143 is located adjacent to the intersection 145
of the front wall 132 and the floor 139 of the batter container
130. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the spout 143 is a hollow tube
having a barrel 177 in fluid flow communication with the interior
176 of the batter container 130 via a first orifice 178. The valve
120 is in fluid flow communication with the spout 143 via a second
orifice 180 located at a tip 181 of the spout 143. Screw threads
182, for removably connecting the valve 120 (described below), are
located on the exterior 183 of the spout 143, adjacent to the tip
182.
[0041] FIG. 5 illustrates the valve 120 during operation. The valve
120 is a manual valve that is operated by a user to dispense batter
from the device 100 of the illustrated embodiment. Preferably, the
valve 120 is a non-drip valve, such that batter does not drip out
of the valve 120 when it is in a closed position. The valve 120 is
releasably connected to the spout 143 via internal screw threads
186 located within the valve's 120 connection socket 188. As is
understood by one skilled in the art, the spout's 143 external
screw threads 182 and the valve's 120 internal screw threads 186
are configured and arranged to releasably and rotatably engage each
other, such that the valve 120 is releasably secured to the spout
143 and the interior 190 of the valve 120 is in fluid flow
communication with the barrel 177 of the spout 143, when the valve
120 is in an opened position (described below).
[0042] The valve 120 includes a plastic tube 188 having an barrel
189 in fluid flow communication with the interior 176 of the batter
container 130, and a silicon sleeve 190 that is generally self
biased against the interior surface 191 of the barrel 189 of the
plastic tube 188 wherein a relaxed and non open position (phantom
lines in FIG. 5). A manual actuator 192 is pivotally received into
the barrel 189 via the top portion 193 of the valve 120. The manual
actuator 192 includes a handle 194 (e.g., a lever) and an interior
portion 195. The interior portion 195 of the manual actuator 192 is
attached to the silicone sleeve 190, such as by adhesive, welding
or a fastener, such as but not limited to pins, rivets, screws,
clamps and the like. Prior to manipulation by a user, the actuator
192 is in the substantially vertical and closed position, as
denoted by the phantom lines. Accordingly, the interior portion 195
of the actuator 192 is also in a substantially vertical position
and the silicone sleeve 190 is firmly biased against the interior
surface 191 of the barrel 189 of the plastic tube 188, such that
batter cannot pass out of the valve 120. In this configuration, the
valve is in the closed position (e.g., non-dispense) and is not in
fluid flow communication with the batter dispenser 130.
[0043] The handle 194 is positioned so as to be accessible to a
user and movably by the user between dispense (open) and
non-dispense (closed) positions. For example, the user can push the
handle 194 backwards or toward the batter container 130, as
indicated by the single arrow in FIG. 5, toward the front pane 103,
which simultaneously pivotally moves the inner portion 195 forward,
as indicated by the double arrows in FIG. 5, which in turn pulls
the portion of the silicone sleeve 190 attached to the interior
portion 195 away from the interior surface 191 of the plastic
barrel 189. Thus, the valve 120 is placed in an open position
(e.g., dispense) by the user, such that the barrel 189 of the
plastic tube 188 (e.g., the valve 120) is in fluid flow
communication with the interior 176 of the batter container 130
(e.g., which is in the interior 114 of the housing 102). When the
valve 120 is in the open (e.g., dispense) position, batter is
dispensed into a container, such as a cup 127, placed under the
valve 120 (on the drip tray cover 126).
[0044] Referring again to FIGS. 3-4, the floor 139 (e.g., bottom)
of the batter container 130 generally slopes downward from the back
wall 134 to the front wall 132. This configuration generally
improves the movement (e.g., draining, flow) of batter from the
back wall 134 toward the valve 120, such that substantially all of
the batter is dispensed from the batter container 130. Accordingly,
waste of batter is minimized.
[0045] As described above, the waffle and pancake batter dispenser
100 includes an ice pack assembly 115 that is configured and
arranged to receive an ice pack 199 (e.g., a coolant pack). The ice
pack assembly 115 includes a sloped ice pack bed 200 connected to
front and a back supports 201, 202 and a finger 203 (e.g., prong,
retaining member). The ice pack bed 200 and finger 203 are
configured and arranged such that the finger 203 substantially
prevents an ice pack 192 received on the ice pack bed 200 from
slipping therefrom (e.g., off). For example, the finger 203 extends
generally upward from the front support 201, such that an ice pack
199 placed on the ice pack bed 200 rests against the finger 203.
Accordingly, an ice pack 199 is supported by the ice pack assembly
115.
[0046] The ice pack bed 200 is attached to front and back supports
201 and 202, which can be manufactured from a single piece of metal
that is bent and molded into the desired configuration, or multiple
panels that are attached (e.g., welded together). The front support
201 includes a front footing 204 that extends (e.g., curves) under
the ice pack bed 200 and contacts a floor pan 206 (e.g., bottom
panel) that supports the batter container 130. The floor pan 206 is
located within the housing 102 such that the batter container 130
is lifted above the counter top on which the batter dispenser 100
is resting, such that a cup 127 can be placed beneath the valve 120
(e.g., the cup fits beneath the valve 120) and batter can be
dispensed. The back support 202 includes a back footing 210 that
also extends (e.g., curves) under the ice pack bed 194 and contacts
the floor pan 206. Two adjustment pins 212 are connected to the
back footing 210, such as via welding, and extend downward through
two releasably mating adjustment slots 214 located in the floor pan
206. The adjustment slots 214 are oriented (e.g., extend) from
front to back with respect to the front 104 of the batter
dispenser's 100 housing 102. Accordingly, when the adjustment pins
212 are releasably and slidably engaged in the adjustment slots
214, the engaged adjustment pins 212 are forwardly and backwardly
mobile with respect to a front of the housing 102, and the ice pack
assembly 115 can be moved forward and backward, such that the
position of the ice pack assembly 115 within the housing 102 is
adjustable with respect to the housing 02 and the container 130,
such that the ice pack 199 is snugged against the container bottom
or floor 139 while being moveable to accommodate ice packs 199 of
varying thickness.
[0047] In particular, the ice pack bed 200 generally slopes from
back to front, such that the front end 220 of the ice pack bed 200
is lower than the back end 222 of the ice pack bed 200. An upwardly
extending finger 203 is connected to the ice pack bed 200 adjacent
to the front support 201. Accordingly, an ice pack 199 placed on
(e.g., received by, supported by) the ice pack bed 200 also
generally slopes from back to front, but the finger 203 prevents
(e.g., blocks) the ice pack 199 received on the ice pack bed 200
from sliding off the front of the ice pack assembly 115. The slope
(e.g., angle of incline) of the ice pack bed 200 is substantially
equal to the slope (e.g., angle of incline) of the floor 139 of the
batter container 130. When an ice pack 199 is placed on the ice
pack bed 200, and a batter container 130 is placed in the housing
102, the position of the ice pack assembly 115 is adjusted (e.g.,
forward or backward by sliding the adjustment pins 212 within the
adjustment slots 214), such that the ice pack 199 contacts as much
of the exterior surface 226 of the batter container's 130 floor 139
as possible. Accordingly, batter within the batter container 130 is
cooled by the ice pack 199 and the cool temperature of the batter
is maintained over an extended period of time (e.g., until the ice
pack 199 substantially becomes equivalent in temperature to the
batter). For example, an ice pack 199 may maintain the cool
temperature for about 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8-hours or longer.
[0048] Different types of ice packs 199 can be used with the batter
dispenser 100 of the illustrated embodiment. For example, the user
may select a rigid ice pack 199 (e.g., a rigid plastic container)
filled with water or refrigerant gel, to cool the batter.
Preferably, such a rigid ice pack 199 is sized and shaped such that
it fits tightly against the exterior surface 226 of the floor 139,
and optionally such that it (the rigid ice pack 199) contacts as
much area of the exterior surface 226 of the floor 139 as possible.
Alternatively, the user may select a non-rigid ice pack 199, such
as a plastic bag filled with ice cubes or refrigerant gel.
Non-rigid ice packs 199 tend to have irregular surfaces (e.g., a
plurality of thicknesses). In order to firmly contact as much area
of the exterior surface 226 of the floor 139 as possible, the
location of the ice pack assembly 115 (e.g., with respect to the
housing 102 or the floor pan 206) is adjusted by sliding the
adjustment pins 212 backward and/or forward within the releasably
engaged adjustment slots 214. Advantageously, locating the ice pack
assembly 115 beneath the batter dispenser 130, as opposed to on the
sides of the batter dispenser 130, enables the low profile housing
102 of the illustrated embodiment, such that less counter space is
required by the device 100 than is required by devices that place
coolant packs in the spaces between the sides of the batter
container 130 and the housing 102. Furthermore, the ice pack 199
remains always in cooling contact with the container floor 139 and
indirectly transferring heat from the batter in the bottom of the
container 130 to the ice pack 199 until all the batter is used.
When the ice pack or packs are placed on the sides above the floor
139, the batter eventually reaches a level that is below the ice
and, therefore, not cooled in the prior art.
[0049] The batter container 130 is configured and arranged for
quickly preparing various quantities of batter therein with a
minimum amount of manual labor (e.g., measuring individual
ingredients) and equipment (e.g., mixing tools, extra bowl or
measuring devices). Referring now to FIG. 4, a plurality of water
level lines 232, and optionally indicia 234, are located on an
inner surface 236 of at least one of the batter container's 130
front, back or side walls 132, 134, 136 and 138. For example, in
FIG. 4, the water level lines 232 and indicia 234 are located on
the inner surface 236 of the front wall 132. Alternatively, or
additionally, the water level lines 232 and optional indicia 234
can be located on the inner surfaces 236 of the side walls 136,
138, or on the back wall 134. Each water level line 232 (and
optional indicia 234) is associated with an amount of water
required to make (e.g., mix, prepare) a predetermined amount of
batter within the batter container 130. For example, to make an
amount of batter associated with one of the water level lines 232,
a user measures (e.g., pours, dispenses) an amount of water
required for that amount of batter into the batter container's 130
interior 176, such that the top of the water (e.g., the meniscus)
generally aligns with the water level line 232 associated with that
amount of batter. After the water has been measured into the batter
container 130, the user adds the required amount of batter mix
(e.g., a pre-made dry mix including the dry ingredients of the
batter, such as flour, dried milk, leavening, shortening, salt,
flavorings) into the batter container 130. Then the user mixes the
batter mix and the water together (e.g., with a mixing utensil such
as spoon, spatula or whisk) to make the completed batter. When the
batter is complete, the user places the cover 140 on the batter
container 130, places an ice pack 199 on the ice pack assembly 115,
slides the closed batter container 130 into the housing 102, such
that the ice pack 199 contacts the floor 139 of the batter
container 130, and closes the front panel 103 of the housing 102.
Batter can now be dispensed from the device 100, such as into a cup
127 placed on the drip tray cover 126.
[0050] After usage, the unused batter may be stored in the batter
container 130 (e.g., in a refrigerator). Alternatively, the unused
batter is poured from the batter container 130, and the batter
container 130 is inverted and preferably placed in a dishwasher for
cleaning, preferably a conventional dishwasher of the type for home
use, so that the container 130 can essentially be used in any
dishwasher. Prior to washing, the valve 120 is disconnected, and
optionally disassembled, and also placed in the dishwasher for
cleaning.
[0051] By way of example and not limitation, suppose the user wants
to make 48 cups of batter. The user pours water into the interior
176 of the batter container 130, until the top of the water aligns
with a 48-cup water level line 232 located on the front wall 132
interior surface 236. Next, the user adds the dry ingredients and
mixes them into the water with a utensil, such as a whisk. The dry
ingredients can be pre-measured and packaged (e.g., for each amount
of batter to be mixed, associated with the water level line 232)
such that the user simply has to open the appropriate package, and
dump the entire contents of the package into the water. When the
batter is mixed, the user places the cover 140 on the batter
container 130, and the covered batter container 130 (with mixed
batter therein) is ready to be placed into the housing 102.
[0052] The user opens the housing 102 by removing the front panel
103, such a by lifting the front panel such that the connection
pins 116 and detents 117 are disengaged from the pin receptacles
119 and the lip 118 of the top panel 110, respectively. The user
places an ice pack 199 on the ice pack assembly 115. Then the user
places the batter dispenser 130 (e.g., containing the batter) into
the housing 102, such that the floor 139 (e.g., bottom) of the
batter container 130 firmly contacts the ice pack 199. For example,
as the batter container 130 is placed into the housing 102, the
back legs 150 of the container 130 slide around the ice pack
assembly 115 and the floor 139 of the container 130 (e.g., the
exterior surface 226) contacts the ice pack 199. As the container
130 slides into place, the floor 139 pushes the ice pack 199, which
in turn presses on the ice pack assembly 115. Pressure on the ice
pack assembly 115 pushes it backward, such that the adjustment pins
slide in the adjustment slots 214 in the floor pan 206. The housing
102 is then closed, such as by replacing (e.g., re-engaging) the
front panel 103.
[0053] It is to be understood that while certain forms of the
present invention have been illustrated and described herein, it is
not to be limited to the specific forms or arrangement of parts
described and shown.
* * * * *